If you travel with your pet, you need a dog carrier. But which kind should you get? Carriers come in all different sizes. Some are rigid, and some are soft and pliable. The type of dog carrier you buy should depend on the size of your pet and the kind of traveling you do.

Travel by Car

If you travel by car, either a hard plastic or wire crate will do. Some wire crates fold down for storage and portability, which comes in extremely handy if your situation requires that you move the crate in and out of your vehicle. What size should the dog crate be? Well, take a good look at your dog! The crate should be large enough so that the dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that the dog slips around during travel.

Travel by Airplane

When choosing a dog carrier for airplane travel, you'll have to take airline size restrictions into consideration.

Better safe than sorry! You don't want to arrive at the airport only to find out that your carrier doesn't heed the restrictions. It's safe to check with the ticketing agent ahead of time regarding dog carrier size limits, but keep in mind that these rules usually refer to hard-sided dog carriers. Smaller dogs can be carried in soft-sided dog carriers like Sherpa Bags and the Pet Wheel-Away. Carriers such as these are approved for in-cabin use and can be stowed under the airplane seat.

Make sure the carrier has an absorbent liner. Some models are equipped with them. With others, an old towel or blanket should do the trick.

If you are still not sure which size and type of pet carrier to pick, check online retailers for manufacturer's guidelines. They can help you select the right size and type for your dog.

Comfort Counts

Remember, you are going to be the one toting the carrier around, so make sure it fits you well! The carrier should be light enough for you to manage over the distance you plan on carrying it, and should be carried comfortably. It's always a good idea to test a carrier before you buy it; make sure the shoulder straps are the right length and there is sufficient padding where it meets your shoulder.

Just for Fun

Once you have the important stuff in order, you can have lots of fun with styles, colors, materials, and patterns. Soft dog carriers come in a variety of materials including canvas, nylon, denim, and synthetic leather. You can find them in all kinds of styles, from practical to precious, and in just about every color possible. Designer carriers often mimic the styles popular in handbag fashions, so it's not hard to find one that suits your style.

With the right dog carrier, traveling with your pet is a breeze!

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